Antimicrobial exercise straps

ABSTRACT

Exercise straps including an antimicrobial fiber are disclosed herein. The antimicrobial fiber is capable of eliminating or at least reducing the number of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc. on an exercise strap while also providing the requisite amount of tensile strength to form a portion of an exercise machine and/or device (e.g., a Pilates Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel, etc.) and/or to perform an exercise program (e.g., a Pilates routine, etc.). The antimicrobial fiber includes antimicrobial threads of a salt fiber and a non-salt fiber interwoven to form an exercise strap.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/223,953, filed on Jul. 20, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates generally to straps, and more particularly to, antimicrobial exercise straps.

BACKGROUND

Straps exist in many varieties and include various different uses. Some straps (e.g., exercise straps) have a targeted use and, as such, need one or more specific characteristics and/or attributes to function for the targeted use. For example, exercise straps often come in contact with the user and can absorb one or more bodily fluids (e.g., sweat, tears, saliva, etc.) from the user. These bodily fluids can contain bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., among other possible/potential undesirable traits that subsequent users of the exercise strap can be exposed to and want to avoid. Further, some exercise straps can include a use that places large amounts of tension, stress, strain, and/or pressure on the exercise strap that requires the exercise strap to be made from a fiber that includes a high tensile strength.

The high tensile strength fibers suitable for exercise straps are not known for also including antimicrobial properties. In addition, fibers including antimicrobial properties are not generally known for including the tensile strength needed for use as an exercise strap. Therefore, there is a need for exercise straps that are antimicrobial (e.g., provide protection against the bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., within one or more bodily fluids) while also including the requisite tensile strength to successfully perform the function(s) placing large amounts of tension, stress, strain, and/or pressure on the exercise straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To readily understand the advantages and benefits of the technology, a more particular description of the technology briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict typical embodiments of the technology, and are therefore not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the technology will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1C are diagrams illustrating various views of one embodiment of an antimicrobial exercise strap;

FIGS. 2A through 2D are diagrams illustrating various views of another embodiment of an antimicrobial exercise strap;

FIGS. 3A through 3D are diagrams illustrating various views of yet another embodiment of an antimicrobial exercise strap; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams of various embodiments of an antimicrobial thread.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosure has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein in any manner. Further, reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In addition, as used herein, the term “set” can mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “sets” can mean multiples of or a plurality of “one or mores,” “ones or more,” and/or “ones or mores” consistent with set theory, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

The present technology may include any type of strap and is not limited to the styles of strap depicted in the various drawings. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the various embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, fibers, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, and/or fibers are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. As used herein, the term, “fiber,” can also include the term(s), “material,” “textile,” and/or the like.

Turning now to the Figures, FIGS. 1A through 1C are diagrams illustrating various views of one embodiment of a strap 100 (e.g., an antimicrobial exercise strap). As illustrated in FIG. 1A, which is a front view, the strap 100 includes, among other components, a body 102 including a length A, a width B, and a fold 104 including a length C for housing an attachment mechanism 106. As shown in FIG. 1B, which is a back view, the strap 100 further includes a reinforcement section 108 including a length D and a loop 110. FIG. 1C, which is a side view, further shows the loop 110.

The strap 100 may be utilized for any suitable exercise machine/device and/or exercise program in which the user desires a resistance strap that includes a surface that is free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., that may be left on the strap 100 from the sweat, tears, saliva, etc. by one or more previous users. In at least some embodiments, the strap 100 can form a portion of and/or be utilized with a Pilates Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel (e.g., a wooden or metal frame with a bed-like platform or carriage that slides along tracks and that uses springs for resistance, in which the carriage is moved by pulling on one or more straps 100 with the user's arms or legs), a weight training machine/device, a resistance machine/device, etc., among other suitable exercise machines/devices in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 100 that are possible and contemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the strap 100 can be utilized when performing a Pilates program, a yoga program, a strength training program, a resistance training program, etc., among other suitable exercise programs in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 100 that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the body 102 includes an antimicrobial fiber including a tensile strength capable of performing one or more exercises. The antimicrobial fiber may include any suitable fiber or combination of two or more fibers capable of being antimicrobial (e.g., the ability to be free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc.) and including an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 100 for one or more of the exercise machines/devices and/or exercise programs discussed above.

The antimicrobial fiber, in various embodiments, includes a combination of two or more fibers, which can be a combination of any suitable fibers capable of being antimicrobial and includes an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 100. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a natural fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a synthetic fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In still other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber, a natural fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), and a synthetic fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In the various embodiments, the natural fiber(s) and/or synthetic fiber(s) can be considered non-salt fiber(s).

The salt fiber can include any one or more salts capable of killing and/or preventing the growth/transmission of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., and/or the like undesirable entities and/or odors. In some embodiments, the salt fiber includes a copper salt and/or a silver salt, among other salts that are capable of providing an antimicrobial fiber that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the copper and silver salt fiber includes PurThread® manufactured by PurThread Technologies, Inc. of Cary, N.C.

The antimicrobial fiber may include any suitable composition of a salt fiber and a natural fiber capable of being antimicrobial and includes an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 100. In some embodiments, the amount of salt fiber in the antimicrobial fiber is in the range of about five percent (5%) to about fifty percent (50%), among other percentages and/or ranges of percentages that are possible and contemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the amount of the natural fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.) and/or synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester, etc.) in the antimicrobial fiber is in the range of about 50% to about ninety-five percent (95%), among other percentages and/or ranges of percentages that are possible and contemplated herein.

The antimicrobial fiber, in various embodiments, is comprised of one or more antimicrobial threads. That is, the antimicrobial fiber may include any suitable quantity of antimicrobial threads for a particular use. In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber includes any suitable quantity of antimicrobial threads that can produce a desired level, amount, and/or kill rate and/or desired tensile strength.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber includes a quantity of antimicrobial threads in the range of about fifty (50) threads to about one thousand (1000) antimicrobial threads, among other quantity of antimicrobial threads that are greater than 1000 threads or less than 50 threads that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is created by weaving two hundred seventy-six (276) antimicrobial threads, among other quantities of antimicrobial threads greater than 276 antimicrobial threads or less than 276 antimicrobial threads that are possible and contemplated herein.

An antimicrobial thread, in various embodiments, includes at least one end of a salt fiber. That is, an antimicrobial thread can include and/or be formed from any suitable quantity of ends of a salt fiber, which can include any suitable salt fiber.

In additional embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber includes at least one end of a non-salt fiber. That is, an antimicrobial thread can include and/or be formed from any suitable quantity of ends of a non-salt fiber, which can include any suitable non-salt fiber, and any suitable quantity of ends of a salt fiber, which can include any suitable salt fiber.

In various embodiment, an antimicrobial thread includes at least one end of salt fiber and at least one end of a non-salt fiber combined together (e.g., twisted, intertwined, interlaced, etc.). In some embodiments (see, FIG. 4A), an antimicrobial thread 400A includes two (2) ends of the salt fiber 402 and 2 ends of a non-salt fiber 404, which can include any suitable salt fiber 402 and/or any suitable non-salt fiber 404, combined together (e.g., twisted, intertwined, interlaced, etc.). In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial thread includes 2 ends of PurThread® (e.g., salt fiber 402) and two ends of 16/1 cotton fiber (e.g., non-salt fiber 404), among other quantities and/or type(s) of fibers that are possible and contemplated herein.

In other embodiments (see, FIG. 4B), an antimicrobial thread 400B includes 2 ends of the salt fiber 402 and one (1) end of a non-salt fiber 406, which can include any suitable salt fiber 402 and/or any suitable non-salt fiber 406, combined together (e.g., twisted, intertwined, interlaced, etc.). In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial thread 400B includes 2 ends of PurThread® (e.g., salt fiber 402) and one end of 16/2 cotton fiber (e.g., non-salt fiber 406) combined together (e.g., twisted, intertwined, interlaced, etc.), among other quantities and/or type(s) of fibers that are possible and contemplated herein.

In additional or alternative embodiments, an antimicrobial thread 400A or 400B (also simply referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, as antimicrobial thread(s) 400) includes a predetermined quantity of turns per meter (TPM) to a create a desired and/or minimum tensile strength for an antimicrobial thread 400. The quantity of TPM may include any suitable quantity of TPM capable of creating and/or generating a desired and/or minimum tensile strength for an antimicrobial thread 400, a desired quantity of antimicrobial threads 400, and/or application of a quantity of one or more antimicrobial threads 400 (e.g., an exercise strap). In various embodiments, one or more antimicrobial threads 400 (including each antimicrobial thread 400) can include a quantity of TPM in the range of about one hundred turns per meter (100 TPM) to about five hundred turns per meter (500 TPM), among other quantities of TPM that are greater than 500 TPM and less than 100 TPM that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber includes a tubular weave with a stuffer and binder threads. The tubular weave may be created using any suitable technique and/or method that is known or developed in the future. In some embodiments, the tubular weave is created using an industry standard weave.

The binder threads may include any suitable quantity of binder threads that is known or developed in the future capable of generating a flat surface from a circular weave. In various embodiments, the binder threads include a quantity of binder threads in the range of about one (1) binder thread to about 100 binder threads, among other quantities that are greater than 100 binder threads that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the woven antimicrobial threads includes about twenty-eight (28) binder threads, among other quantities of binder threads greater than 28 binder threads and less than 28 binder threads that are possible and contemplated herein.

A binder thread may be formed of and/or include any suitable fiber that is known or developed in the future capable of binding a quantity of antimicrobial threads 400 to generate a flat surface from a circular weave. In various embodiments, a binder thread may be formed of and/or include any of the salt fiber(s) and/or non-salt fiber(s) disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, a binder thread is formed of and/or includes a cotton fiber, among other fibers that are possible and contemplated herein.

The stuffer may include any suitable material that is known or developed in the future capable of filling the circular weave to provide one or more desired and/or targeted characteristics of a strap. In various embodiments, the stuffer may be formed of and/or include any of the salt fiber(s) and/or non-salt fiber(s) disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the stuffer is formed of and/or includes a polyester fiber, among other fiber(s) and/or material(s) that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber includes the 276 antimicrobial threads 400 forming the front and back of the strap 100 with 28 threads for the binder. That is, each of the 276 antimicrobial threads can include two ends of 16/1 cotton fiber or one end of 16/2 cotton fiber and 2 ends of the salt fiber compressed by, for example, 28 binder threads. Further, one hundred eighty (180) ends of 1000 den., polyester can be included as the stuffer and one end of 1/150 textured polyester in a catch cord.

In some embodiments, each antimicrobial thread 400 (e.g., 276 antimicrobial threads 400) of the 16/2 or 16/1 cotton fiber(s) is woven with the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) to form the front and back of the strap 100. Here, the antimicrobial fiber can be eighty percent (80%) cotton and twenty percent (20%) of salt fiber that is made up of copper and silver salts, among other percentages of cotton that are possible and contemplated herein and/or percentages of the copper and silver salt fiber that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, PurThread® in the weft and binder is/are omitted and/or are optional.

In some embodiments, the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) is included in and/or forms at least a part of an outer portion of the strap 100. In other embodiments, the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) is included in and/or forms at least a part of an inner portion of the strap 100. In still other embodiments, the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) is included in and/or forms at least a part of both the outer portion and the inner portion of the strap 100.

The intent of the antimicrobial fiber is to provide the user with the same end use, feeling, and familiarity of their current strap with the protection of killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., and/or odors. The silver and copper salts can prevent the bacteria, virus, fungi, etc., cells from forming a chemical bond. That is, the bacteria, virus, fungi, etc., fall apart and die because of the silver and copper embedded into the antimicrobial fiber (e.g., yarn and/or fabric). A user can think of the antimicrobial fiber disclosed herein as medicine for a strap 100.

The results of AATCC-100 tests for bacteria for various combinations of a cotton fiber combined with a copper and silver salt fiber are provided below. The cotton fiber included a greige/natural state cotton and the copper and silver salt fiber used for the various antimicrobial fabrics included PurThread®. The various compositions of cotton/salt fiber used for the trials included:

-   -   Sample PT Control—100% Cotton/0% copper and silver salt fiber;     -   Sample PT 10%-90% Cotton/10% PurThread®;     -   Sample PT 17%-83% Cotton/17% PurThread®; and     -   Sample PT 24%-76% Cotton and 24% PurThread®.         The Sample PT 10% killed 40% of the bacteria, the Sample PT 17%         killed 86% of the bacteria, and the Sample PT 24% killed 99% of         the bacteria.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is not dyed or undyed. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is dyed to include a particular and/ore predetermined color.

While initially dyed for aesthetic purposes, it was discovered that one or more of the dyes provided additional antimicrobial protection, which was an unexpected result because the intention of the dye was initially only for aesthetic purposes. Accordingly, various embodiments may include an amount of dyed antimicrobial threads 400 in the antimicrobial fiber in the range of about ten percent (10%) to about twenty-four percent (24%) of the total quantity of antimicrobial threads 400 (e.g., 10-24% of the 276 antimicrobial threads 400 and/or 28 binder threads), among other percentages that are greater than 24% and less than 10% that are possible and contemplated herein.

The color of the dye may include any suitable color that is known or developed in the future. In certain embodiments, the selected dye color is black because it was discovered that dying the antimicrobial fiber black killed 100% of the bacteria. That is, a Sample PT 17% Black-83% Cotton/17% PurThread® (scoured and dyed black) killed 100% of the bacteria compared to 86% for the undyed Sample PT 17%. This 14% increase in killing rate was unexpected and allows the antimicrobial fiber to include a greater ratio of cotton fiber to salts fiber, which enables the strap 100 to include a greater amount of tensile strength while also providing 100% bacteria killing power compared to undyed fibers. Further, because non-salt fibers (e.g., cotton fibers, etc.) are less expensive than salt fibers, dying the non-salt fiber(s) can allow the strap 100 to be manufactured cheaper than an undyed strap 100 and still include the same degree of bacteria killing power. Accordingly, some embodiments of the body 102 are formed of an antimicrobial fiber that includes 80% cotton (dyed and/or undyed) and 20% salts fiber (e.g., PurThread®) that is scoured and dyed black.

The actual testing conducted on the various samples of microbial fiber disclosed herein is provided below. One sample was a 0% PT control (SAPT0_1496) and the other samples contained various amounts of PT polyester, with the balance being cotton. One of the samples was dyed black (SKPT17 black_1499). The samples were not washed, 100 μl of an overnight culture of E coli in saline were added, the sample was transferred to a 50-ml tube, and then incubated at 37 ÅãC for 24 hours. Dey-Engley neutralization broth (1.9 mls) was added, the samples were vortexed for 20 seconds, diluted as appropriate, and 10-μl aliquots were placed on agar enumeration plates and incubated overnight. Colonies were counted and numbers compared to titers of the inoculum (2000 cfu/μl).

Results: Activity was very good (>99.9%) for some samples, modest in others. Untreated cotton supported vigorous growth. See, Table 1.

TABLE 1 AATCC-100 assay of yarns. Sample % kill Average: SKPT10_1497 40.0% 40.00% SKPT10_1497 40.0% SKPT17_1498 96.5% 85.75% SKPT17_1498 75.0% SKPT17black_1499 100.0% 100.00% SKPT17black_1499 100.0% SKPT24_1500 97.8% 98.75% SKPT24_1500 99.7% Controls Neg Control (PWP) −4900.0% −3900% Neg Control (PWP) −2900.0% Cfu = colony forming units Negative % indicates growth.

The dye (e.g., a black dye, blue dye, red dye, yellow dye, purple dye, orange dye, green dye, etc.) may be any suitable dye or combination of dyes that is known or developed in the future capable of providing antimicrobial properties and/or supplementing the antimicrobial properties of an antimicrobial fiber (e.g., a cotton/salt fiber, a cotton/copper and silver salt fiber, and cotton/PurThread® fiber, etc., among other antimicrobial fibers that are possible and contemplated herein). Further, the antimicrobial fiber may be dyed using any suitable technique and/or method that is known or developed in the future (e.g., a single step or multi-step process).

In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is dyed using a Jet Dye Production Unit in a multi-step process. For example, a first step can include dying the cotton fiber with a Disperse Dye (e.g., black) and baking the dye at 265 degrees F. for 30 minutes. A subsequent step can include dying the salts fiber (e.g., a copper and silver salt fiber, PurThread® fiber, etc., among other salt fibers that are possible) with a reactive dye (e.g., a black reactive dye, etc.) and baking the salts fiber at 140 degrees F. for 40 minutes.

The non-salt fiber 404, 406 (e.g., cotton fiber, etc.) and the salt fiber 402 may be combined in any suitable manner using any suitable technique and/or method that is known or developed in the future. In various embodiments, ends of the non-salt fiber 404, 406 are interwoven with ends of the salt fiber 402, among other techniques and/or methods for combining textiles that are possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, cotton fiber is combined/interwoven with PurThread® to generate a cotton/PurThread® fiber, which includes the tradename Pur Synergy® developed by Shae King Productions, LLC of Los Angeles, Calif.

The body 102 may include any suitable dimensions for inclusion on an exercise device and/or in performing an exercise program. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the body 102 includes a length A, which can be a length in the range of about 6 inches to about 18 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 102 includes a length A of about 10.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 102 further includes a width B, which can be a width in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, among other width and/or ranges of widths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 102 includes a width B of about 1.5 inches, among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The fold 104 may include any suitable shape and/or dimensions capable of housing the attachment mechanism 106. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fold 104 includes a length C, which can be a length in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 104 includes a length C of about 0.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 104 is optional.

The attachment mechanism 106 may include any suitable attachment device and/or means that is known or developed in the future. At least in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism 106 includes a ring, which can be formed of or include any suitable material that is known or developed in the future (e.g., a metal, an alloy, a plastic, a polymer, etc.). In certain embodiments, the attachment mechanism 106 is optional.

With reference to FIG. 1B, the reinforcement section 108 may include any suitable dimensions for reinforcing the strap 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the reinforcement section 108 includes a length D, which can be a length in the range of about 1.0 inch to about 6 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 108 includes a length of about 3 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 108 is optional.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the strap 100 can be attached to itself to form the loop 110. The strap 100 can be attached to itself at any suitable location to form the loop 110 with any suitable size and/or dimensions. That is, the various embodiments of the strap 100 and/or the loop 110 are not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C.

FIGS. 2A through 2D are diagrams illustrating various views of another embodiment of a strap 200 (e.g., an antimicrobial exercise strap). As illustrated in FIG. 2A, which is a front view, the strap 200 includes, among other components, a body 202 including a length F, a width G, and a fold 204 including a length E for housing an attachment mechanism 206. As shown in FIG. 2B, which is a back view, the strap 200 further includes a reinforcement section 208 including a length H and a loop 210. FIG. 2C, which is an interior view, further shows the loop 210 including a length I and a loop 214 including a length J or a length K. FIG. 2D, which is a side view, further shows the loops 210 and 214.

The strap 200 may be utilized for any suitable exercise machine/device and/or exercise program in which the user desires a resistance strap that includes a surface that is free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., that may be left on the strap 200 from the sweat, tears, saliva, etc. by one or more previous users. In at least some embodiments, the strap 200 can form a portion of and/or be utilized with a Pilates Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, a weight training machine/device, a resistance machine/device, therapeutic machine/device, etc., among other suitable machines/devices in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 200 that are possible and contemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the strap 200 can be utilized when performing a Pilates program, a yoga program, a strength training program, a resistance training program, a therapeutic, program, etc., among other suitable exercise programs in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 200 that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the body 202 includes an antimicrobial fiber including a tensile strength capable of performing one or more exercises. The antimicrobial fiber may include any suitable fiber or combination of two or more fibers capable of being antimicrobial (e.g., the ability to be free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc.) and including an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 200 for one or more of the exercise machines/devices and/or exercise programs discussed above.

The antimicrobial fiber, in various embodiments, includes a combination of two or more fibers, which can be a combination of any suitable fibers capable of being antimicrobial and includes an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 200. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a natural non-salt fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a synthetic non-salt fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In still other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber, a natural non-salt fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), and a synthetic non-salt fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber forming the body 202 may include any of the antimicrobial fibers included in the various embodiments of the body 102 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B.

The body 202 may include any suitable dimensions for inclusion on an exercise device and/or in performing an exercise program. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the body 202 includes a length F, which can be a length in the range of about 6 inches to about 24 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 202 includes a length F of about 15.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 202 further includes a width G, which can be a width in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, among other width anchor ranges of widths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 202 includes a width G of about 1.5 inches, among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The fold 204 may include any suitable shape and/or dimensions capable of housing the attachment mechanism 206. As shown in FIG. 2A, the fold 204 includes a length E, which can be a length in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 204 includes a length E of about 0.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 204 is optional.

The attachment mechanism 206 may include any suitable attachment device and/or means that is known or developed in the future. At least in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism 206 includes a ring, which can be formed of or include any suitable material that is known or developed in the future (e.g., a metal, an alloy, a plastic, a polymer, etc.). In certain embodiments, the attachment mechanism 206 is optional.

With reference to FIG. 2B, the reinforcement section 208 may include any suitable dimensions for reinforcing the strap 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the reinforcement section 208 includes a length H, which can be a length in the range of about 1.0 inch to about 6 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 208 includes a length H of about 2,625 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 208 is optional.

As shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2D, the body 202 can be attached to itself to form the loop 210. The body 202 can be attached to itself at any suitable location to form the loop 210 with any suitable size and/or dimension. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the loop 210 includes a length I, which can be a length in the range of about 8 inches to about 18 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the loop 210 includes a length I of about 12.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

FIG. 2C, shows that the strap 200 further includes body 212 forming a loop 214 (e.g., an interior loop). The body 212 includes and/or is formed of an antimicrobial fiber. In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber forming the body 212 may include any of the antimicrobial fibers included in the various embodiments of the body 102 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, some embodiments of the loop 214 are formed by attachment of the body 212 at the fold 204 of the body 202. In some embodiments, the body 212 includes a length J, which can be a length in the range of about 8 inches to about 18 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 212 includes a length J of about 10.25 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. Further, the body 212 (and loop 214) includes the same width G as the body 202 (and loop 210).

Other embodiments of the loop 214 are formed by attachment of the body 212 at the reinforcement section 208 of the body 202. In some embodiments, the body 212 includes a length K, which can be a length in the range of about 4 inches to about 12 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 212 includes a length K of about 7.375 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herien.

As shown in FIGS. 2C and 21 ), the strap 200 includes loops 210 and 214, each of which can include any suitable size and/or dimensions to form an exterior loop 210 and an interior loop 214. That is, the various embodiments of the loop 210 and/or the loop 214 are not limited to the configurations shown in and discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A through 2D.

FIGS. 3A through 3D are diagrams illustrating various views of yet another embodiment of a strap 300 (e.g., an antimicrobial exercise strap). As illustrated in FIG. 3A, which is a front view, the strap 300 includes, among other components, a body 302 including a length M, a width N, and a fold 304 including a length L for housing an attachment mechanism 306. As shown in FIG. 3B, which is a back view, the strap 300 further includes a reinforcement section 308 including a length O and a loop 310. FIG. 3C, which is an interior view, further shows the loop 310 including a length P and a loop 314 including a length Q or a length R. FIG. 3D, which is a side view, further shows the loops 310 and 314.

The strap 300 may be utilized for any suitable exercise machine/device and/or exercise program in which the user desires a resistance strap that includes a surface that is free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc., that may be left on the strap 300 from the sweat, tears, saliva, etc. by one or more previous users. In at least some embodiments, the strap 300 can form a portion of and/or be utilized with a Pilates Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, a weight training machine/device, a resistance machine/device, a therapeutic machine/device etc., among other suitable machines/devices in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 300 that are possible and contemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the strap 300 can be utilized when performing a Pilates program, a yoga program, a strength training program, a resistance training program, therapeutic program, etc., among other suitable exercise programs in which multiple different users may share/use a strap 300 that are possible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the body 302 includes an antimicrobial fiber including a tensile strength capable of performing one or more exercises. The antimicrobial fiber may include any suitable fiber or combination of two or more fibers capable of being antimicrobial (e.g., the ability to be free of or substantially free of bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, etc.) and including an amount of tensile strength that allows the fiber to function as an exercise strap 300 for one or more of the exercise machines/devices and/or exercise programs discussed above.

The antimicrobial fiber, in various embodiments, includes a combination of two or more fibers, which can be a combination of any suitable fibers capable of being antimicrobial and includes an amount of tensile strength that allows the antimicrobial fiber to function as an exercise strap 300. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a natural non-salt fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber and a synthetic non-salt fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In still other embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber is a combination of a salt fiber, a natural non-salt fiber (e.g., cotton, etc.), and a synthetic non-salt fiber (e.g., a polyester, etc.), among other combinations that are possible and contemplated herein. In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber forming the body 302 may include any of the antimicrobial fibers included in the various embodiments of the body 102 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B.

The body 302 may include any suitable dimensions for inclusion on an exercise device and/or in performing an exercise program. As illustrated FIG. 3A, the body 302 includes a length M, which can be a length in the range of about 6 inches to about 24 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 302 includes a length M of about 15.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The body 302 further includes a width N, which can be a width in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, among other width and/or ranges of widths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 302 includes a width N of about 1.5 inches, among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein.

The fold 304 may include any suitable shape and/or dimensions capable of housing the attachment mechanism 306. As shown in FIG. 3A, the fold 304 includes a length L, which can be a length in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 304 includes a length L of about 0.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the fold 304 is optional.

The attachment mechanism 306 may include any suitable attachment device and/or means that is known or developed in the future. At least in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism 306 includes a ring, which can be formed of or include any suitable material that is known or developed in the future (e.g., a metal, an alloy, a plastic, a polymer, etc.). In certain embodiments, the attachment mechanism 306 is optional.

With reference to FIG. 3B, the reinforcement section 308 may include any suitable dimensions for reinforcing the strap 300. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the reinforcement section 308 includes a length O, which can be a length in the range of about 1.0 inch to about 6 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 308 includes a length O of about 2.625 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the reinforcement section 308 is optional.

As shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D, the body 302 can be attached to itself to form the loop 310. The body 302 can be attached to itself at any suitable location to form the loop 310 with any suitable size and/or dimension. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the loop 310 includes a length P, which can be a length in the range of about 8 inches to about 18 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the loop 310 includes a length P of about 12.75 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

FIG. 3C, shows that the strap 300 further includes a body 312 forming a loop 314 (e.g., an interior loop). The body 312 includes and/or is formed of an antimicrobial fiber. In various embodiments, the antimicrobial fiber forming the body 312 may include any of the antimicrobial fibers included in the various embodiments of the body 102 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, some embodiments of the loop 314 are formed by attachment of the body 312 at the fold 304 of the body 302. In some embodiments, the loop 314 includes a length Q, which can be a length in the range of about 8 inches to about 18 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the loop 314 includes a length Q of about 10.25 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

Other embodiments of the loop 314 are formed by attachment of the body 312 at the reinforcement section 308 of the body 302. In some embodiments, the loop 314 includes a length R, which can be a length in the range of about 4 inches to about 12 inches, among other lengths and/or ranges of lengths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the loop 314 includes a length R of about 7.375 inches, among other lengths that are possible and contemplated herein.

Further, the body 312 (and loop 314) includes a width S (see, FIG. 3A) that is greater than the width N of the body 302 (and loop 310). In various embodiments, the body 312 includes a width S in the range of about 1.0 inches to about 4 inches, among other widths and/or ranges of widths that are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the body 312 includes a width S of about 2 inches, among other widths that are possible and contemplated herein.

Loop 310 and/or loop 314 can include a comfort lining 316. The comfort lining 316, in various embodiments, can be optional in loop 310 and/or loop 314.

In various embodiments, the comfort lining 316 includes a combination of the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) and one or more other fibers so that the comfort lining is also antimicrobial. In some embodiments, the comfort lining 316 includes the salt fiber (e.g., PurThread®) and at least fleece, among other comfortable fibers and/or combinations of comfortable fibers that are possible and contemplated herein.

As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the strap 300 includes loops 310 and 314, each of which can include any suitable size and/or dimensions to form an exterior loop 310 and an interior loop 314. That is, the various embodiments of the loop 310 and/or the loop 314 are not limited to the configurations shown in and discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A through 3D.

The various embodiments discussed herein may be practiced in other specific forms and the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the various embodiments are to be embraced within their scope. That is, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that modifications and/or adaptations to the various aspects may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. 

1. A strap, comprising: a plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads; and at least one binder thread compressing the plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads to form a flat surface, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises a salt fiber.
 2. The strap of claim 1, wherein each antimicrobial thread further comprises a non-salt fiber.
 3. The strap of claim 2, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises two ends of the salt fiber.
 4. The strap of claim 3, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises one or more ends of the non-salt fiber.
 5. The strap of claim 4, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises one of: two ends of 16/1 cotton fiber; and one end of 16/2 cotton fiber.
 6. The strap of claim 4, wherein the at least one binder thread comprises twenty-eight binder threads.
 7. The strap of claim 6, further comprising: a stuffer fiber comprising a polyester fiber; and a textured polyester catch cord.
 8. The strap of claim 2, wherein each antimicrobial thread includes a quantity of turns per meter in the range of one hundred turns per meter to five hundred turns per meter.
 9. The strap of claim 2, wherein the plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads comprises one hundred to one thousand antimicrobial threads.
 10. The strap of claim 2, wherein ten percent to twenty-four percent of the plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads are dyed.
 11. A textile fiber, comprising: a plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises a salt fiber and a non-salt fiber.
 12. The textile fiber of claim 11, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises two ends of the salt fiber.
 13. The textile fiber of claim 12, wherein each antimicrobial thread comprises one or more ends of the non-salt fiber.
 14. The textile fiber of claim 11, wherein each antimicrobial thread includes a quantity of turns per meter in the range of one hundred turns per meter to five hundred turns per meter.
 15. The textile fiber of claim 11, wherein the plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads comprises one hundred to one thousand antimicrobial threads.
 16. The textile fiber of claim 11, wherein ten percent to twenty-four percent of the plurality of interwoven antimicrobial threads are dyed.
 17. A textile thread, comprising: two ends of a salt fiber; and a non-salt fiber interwoven with the two ends of the salt fiber.
 18. The textile fiber of claim 13, wherein: the non-salt fiber includes a cotton fiber comprising one of two ends of 16/1 cotton fiber and one end of 16/2 cotton fiber; and the salt fiber comprises a PurThread® fiber.
 19. The textile thread of claim 18, wherein the non-salt fiber and the salt fiber are one of dyed and undyed.
 20. The textile thread of claim 17, wherein the two ends of the salt fiber and the non-salt fiber are turned one hundred turns per meter to five hundred turns per meter. 